divided

adjective

di·​vid·​ed də-ˈvī-dəd 

1

a

: separated into parts or pieces

b

of a leaf : cut into distinct parts by incisions extending to the base or to the midrib

c

: having a barrier (such as a guardrail) to separate lanes of traffic going in opposite directions

a divided highway

2

a

: disagreeing with each other : disunited

b

: directed or moved toward conflicting interests, states, or objects

divided loyalties

3

: separated by distance

familiar objects from which she had never dreamed of being divided

—James Joyce

dividedly

də-ˈvī-dəd-lē 

adverb

dividedness

də-ˈvī-dəd-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• disunited
• split

Examples of divided in a Sentence

Experts are sharply divided on the issue.

The issue has created a deeply divided nation.

She feels like she only gets her mother's divided attention.

Recent Examples on the Web

In our divided society, Juneteenth is more vital than ever. —Rebecca L. Palmer, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 June 2025

For all the cry-cry about how the pressure is on the motion picture side in a divided entertainment conglom future, the Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy run studio, along with the Gunn and Safran run DC Studios, is on terra firma with plenty of downstream cash in store for Max from premium fare. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 June 2025

This news marks the beginning of the end of Read’s yearslong legal battle with the state, one that not only divided juries but alleged major mishandling of evidence by Boston police. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025

This makes India look increasingly like the highly divided United States. —Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing divided

• divided highway
• divided loyalty

Rhymes for divided

• abided
• collided
• confided
• decided
• derided
• elided
• lopsided
• misguided
• nitrided
• presided
• provided
• resided

Kids Definition

divided

adjective

1

a

: separated into parts or pieces

b

: having a barrier (as a guardrail) to separate lanes of traffic going in opposite directions

a divided highway

2

: disagreeing with each other

divided over the issue

Legal Definition

divided

adjective

di·​vid·​ed

1

a

: separated into parts, classes, or portions

divided coverage

divided custody

b

in the civil law of Louisiana : separately owned, possessed, or held : no longer held in indivision

owner of a divided part or of the entire estate following partition

—Louisiana Civil Code

granted in divided portions

2

: not united : failing to agree

a divided Court